Brazilian midfielder Fred struck the game’s only goal in the 77th minute, as he curled a delightful effort over Palace keeper Vicente Guaita, in front of a rapturous Stretford End.
The victory, which lifted the side into sixth place in the Premier League, was then toasted with a variety of social media posts from the players, including the following…
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“The first half-hour was amazing,” Rangnick enthused, “and the only thing that was missing was scoring one or two goals. Even after that, we had control of the game.”
Fred’s goal capped a Man of the Match display for the Brazilian, but Rangnick was particularly impressed with his defensive contribution.
“If you play the way we played today with regards to intensity and having four offensive players, it is highly important that you have players who are disciplined,” the German coach said.
“Both Scotty [McTominay] and Fred are perfect for that.”
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“It’s always good to score in a game, but today we win 1-0 and it’s nice that my goal can be so important,” a beaming Fred told club media’s Stewart Gardner.
“Of course, above all, the most important thing is the win to help the team. It was a good performance, we played very well and kept a clean sheet too.
“With it being the first game with our new coach it is so important for us to keep things moving day after day and be ready for the next game.”
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COMPLETING SETS
After winning the Premier League, League Cup and Community Shield there was only one domestic trophy left for Carrick to win and that was the FA Cup. In May 2016, our no.16 played the full 120 minutes as the Reds beat Crystal Palace at Wembley to win the world’s oldest club cup competition. In the following season, 2016/17, he helped the club to complete its all-time collection of trophies by adding the UEFA Europa League to his CV with a 2-0 win over Ajax in the final in Stockholm. Alongside Wayne Rooney, he’s the only United player to have won both the Champions League and Europa League for the club, alongside all the English honours.
TESTIMONIAL
On 4 June 2017, Carrick was awarded his testimonial at United after eleven years of service to the club. The match between United’s 2008 Champions League-winning team and an All-star XI ended 2-2 with the man himself fittingly scoring a 25-yard screamer.
CLUB CAPTAIN
Following the departure of Wayne Rooney in the summer of 2017, vice-captain Carrick was promoted to club captain, joining the likes of Eric Cantona, Nemanja Vidic, Roy Keane and Gary Neville in having worn the armband during the Premier League era. The following season would turn out to be his last as a player.
SEND-OFF
Carrick played his last game for United at Old Trafford against Watford in what was our last game of the 2017/18 campaign. On his 464th and final appearance for the club, our no.16 provided an assist for Marcus Rashford’s winner as we overcame the Hornets 1-0 on 13 May 2018.
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Villarreal have been on the receiving end of two Goal of the Month winners this season – Alex Telles’s terrific drive from the edge of the area in the home meeting, back on Champions League Matchday 2, earned September’s honour.
Sancho followed up on his award-winning breakthrough when he netted the opener against Chelsea, in the final fixture of November, and here’s to that rich vein continuing as December unfolds. Congratulations, Jadon!
2021/22 GOAL OF THE MONTH WINNERS
August: Bruno Fernandes v Leeds
September: Alex Telles v Villarreal
October: Cristiano Ronaldo v Tottenham
November: Jadon Sancho v Villarreal
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